ICD-10 Code K14.9 – Disease of tongue, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K14.9 – Disease of tongue, unspecified
What it is
K14.9 identifies a disorder of the tongue when the record does not specify a more precise diagnosis. Use it for tongue conditions that are documented as abnormal, diseased, or unspecified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the chart may describe tongue pain, swelling, discoloration, ulceration, coating, or other abnormal tongue findings without a named condition.
When to use this code
Use K14.9 when the provider documents a disease of the tongue but does not name the exact disorder. It is also appropriate when the note only states “tongue disorder” or another nonspecific tongue abnormality. If a more specific diagnosis is recorded, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for clearly identified tongue conditions such as a specific lesion, infection, or congenital anomaly. Check documentation if the chart supports a more precise code.
Coding tip
Query for specificity whenever the tongue diagnosis is vague, because a more exact code may be available.